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Chapter 7: Problem 74

Little is known about the properties of astatine, At, because of its rarity and high radioactivity. Nevertheless, it is possible for us to make many predictions about its properties. (a) Do you expect the element to be a gas, liquid, or solid at room temperature? Explain. (b) Would you expect At to be a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid? Explain. (c) What is the chemical formula of the compound it forms with Na?

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) Astatine is expected to be a solid at room temperature, as elements in its group become less volatile with higher boiling points as we move down the group. (b) Astatine is expected to be a metalloid, as its position below Iodine suggests more metallic character than other halogens but not as much as a true metal. (c) The chemical formula of the compound that Astatine forms with Sodium is NaAt, with Na⁺ and At⁻ ions balancing each other's charges.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the group and period of Astatine in the periodic table

Astatine is a member of Group 17, Period 6 in the periodic table. It is a halogen, like Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), and Iodine (I). Knowing the group and period information will help us to compare its properties to the known properties of other elements in the same group or period.
02

Predict the state of Astatine at room temperature

Fluorine and Chlorine are gases at room temperature, whereas Bromine is a liquid and Iodine is a solid. As we move down the group from Fluorine to Iodine, the elements become less volatile and have higher boiling points. Since Astatine is below Iodine in the group, we can expect it to be a solid at room temperature. Answer (a): Astatine is expected to be a solid at room temperature.
03

Predict whether Astatine is a metal, non-metal, or metalloid

Astatine belongs to the halogen group, which contains non-metals. However, as we move down the group, the elements exhibit a gradual trend from non-metallic to more metallic character. Fluorine is the most non-metallic element, while Iodine has some metallic properties. Given its position below Iodine, Astatine is expected to have even more metallic character than Iodine, but not as much as a true metal. Therefore, it is predicted to be a metalloid. Answer (b): Astatine is expected to be a metalloid.
04

Determine the chemical formula of the compound Astatine forms with Sodium

Astatine, being a member of the halogen group, has 7 electrons in its outermost shell and needs one more to achieve a stable electron configuration. Sodium, a member of Group 1, has one electron in its outermost shell and readily donates it. When Astatine reacts with Sodium, each Astatine atom will gain one electron while each Sodium atom loses one. This leads to the formation of Na⁺ and At⁻ ions. The chemical formula of the compound formed by these ions will be NaAt, as the positive and negative charges balance each other. Answer (c): The chemical formula of the compound that Astatine forms with Sodium is NaAt.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Give three examples of ions that have an electron configuration of \(n d^{6}(n=3,4,5, \ldots).\)

(a) One of the alkali metals reacts with oxygen to form a solid white substance. When this substance is dissolved in water, the solution gives a positive test for hydrogen peroxide, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}.\) When the solution is tested in a burner flame, a lilac-purple flame is produced. What is the likely identity of the metal? (b) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of the white substance with water.

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Write a balanced equation for the reaction that occurs in each of the following cases: (a) Chlorine reacts with water. (b) Barium metal is heated in an atmosphere of hydrogen gas. (c) Lithium reacts with sulfur. (d) Fluorine reacts with magnesium metal.
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